. >> pope benedict cell brits his last public mass and that tops our look around the nation. he presides over an ash wednesday mass. the venue was moved to the basilica to make room for the larger crowds expected after he announced he is stepping down. frustrations are mounting for passengers on a carnival cruise that lost power in the gulf of mexico and slowly being towed back to the u.s. 3,000 people have been stranded for four days. a report of overflowing toilets and foul smells making people sick. the ship is expected to arrive in alabama tomorrow. can't wait to see that one. nbc's first lead team said the state of the union yon could be the tale of two speeches. part traditional and something you rarely see. emotions. we will go live. >> last night's speech was a tale of two addresses. one emotional and one traditional. >> 51 years ago, john f. kennedy declared to this chamber that the constitution makes us not rivals for power, but partners for progress. gabby giffords deserves a vote. the families of newtown deserve a vote. the families of aurora deserve a vote. the f